Last month's incident

involving the death of a 13-year-old soccer player highlights the urgency

of the issue of 911 consolidation in Fulton County.

Why did it take nearly 14 minutes for emergency responders to arrive on

the scene? Due to a computer glitch, fi rst

responders at the fire station three blocks away from the school were

not aware of the situation. Would a faster response time have resulted

in a different outcome? We don't know. But we shouldn't have

to ask the question.

As far back as my days as a member, then president, of the Atlanta City

Council, I have advocated for the consolidation of duplicate government

services. Usually, consolidation is a cost-saving measure. In the

case of 911 services, the stakes are even higher.

Several years ago, I and Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin met with

former Chairman Mike Kenn to discuss the consolidation of the 911 emergency

dispatch system between Fulton County and the City of Atlanta. We

agreed then that it was absolutely imperative to consolidate the 911 system

across all jurisdictions in the county, but were unable to get the support

of then Mayor Bill Campbell. And, just this year, I brought the issue

before the Board of Commissioners again. In June, the Board voted to initiate

discussions with other municipalities regarding consolidation.

The issue becomes more pressing each day. Population is on the rise in

Fulton County, and, with more people, come more emergencies. Cell phone

calls also make responses more complicated. We need one system to meet

everyone's needs.

Unfortunately, we have received a disappointing level of response to our

initial proposal from Fulton's 10 cities to begin talks on 911 consolidation.

We have also proposed that a joint consolidation feasibility study be

prepared with the City of Atlanta and have been waiting to hear from the

City.

I challenge all cities within Fulton County to come forward and begin

the process of 911 consolidation. This is no mere turf battle. Efficient

and effective government service, especially in matters of life and death,

is the least any taxpayer has a right to expect. We must do all that is

in our power to protect citizens' lives.